When you arrive in Canada as a newcomer, it is overwhelming trying to settle in and adjust to your new life.
Here are the important things you should do within the first month from when you arrive in British Columbia, Canada.
FIND PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION
Many newcomers usually book temporary accommodation in an Airbnb for a two-week stay.
As soon as you arrive, it is advisable you start looking for a permanent place to live. This is because it may take some time before you can get a place as a newcomer. Many Landlords do not want to rent to newcomers – permanent residents, students, or foreign workers who do not have a job.
Where to find housing for rent
- Online via websites such as Craigslist, Rentfaster, Kijiji, Zumper, Facebook Marketplace, etc. You will find information on average rental prices on these websites.
- In the newspapers
- By looking for “Vacancy” and “For rent” signs in front of houses and buildings in the neighbourhood you want to live in.
APPLY FOR A SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER (SIN)
You need a SIN to access government programs and benefits and to work when you arrive in Canada. There is no fee to apply for a SIN.
You can apply for a SIN online, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada Office near you.
Learn how to apply for a social insurance number, and the documents required depending on your residency status.
OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT
You will need a bank account to deposit the money you brought from your home country, receive salaries and government benefits, and pay your bills.
To open an account, you will need two pieces of ID. Use either your PR card or landing document and your foreign passport. You will also need your SIN to open an account.
You should compare products and services at different financial institutions before deciding on the best one for you.
What you should be looking out for in choosing a bank include:
- Monthly fees
- Online banking features
- ATM fees
- Interact/Etransfer fees and limits
- Online banking features
- Minimum balance requirements
- Branch availability
- Customer service
- Ease of deposit and withdrawal
- Security of your funds
Learn more about opening a bank account in Canada.
REGISTER FOR THE MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN (MSP)
In BC, the health insurance plan is called the Medical Services Plan (MSP). There is a waiting period that consists of the balance of the month in which residence is established, plus two months.
You should apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in BC.
You can apply online or through the mail. Learn more about how to apply, the documents required, and what is covered and what is not covered.
To complete your MSP enrolment, adult Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will need to obtain a Photo BC Services Card.
APPLY FOR A BC SERVICES CARD
You will need a BC Services Card to access provincial health care benefits. Your PHN will be printed on the card.
To obtain a Photo BC Services Card, visit an Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) driver licensing office close to you.
Learn more about the BC Services Card, the documents required to obtain one, and what you can use it for as a BC resident.
GET A PHONE NUMBER
You will need a local phone number to communicate with others, find jobs, and find a place to live when you arrive in Canada.
You can choose between a cell phone plan and a prepaid calling card. A monthly phone is a more convenient option.
It is advisable to compare plans and pricing from various mobile service operators and ask what options are available to a newcomer.
To find a telephone company, you can search on Yellow Pages or visit any of the stores closest to you.
UNDERSTAND THE PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEM
Public transit in BC is mostly provided by Translink and BC transit through a network of buses and sky trains.
Translink serves the residents of Metro Vancouver while BC transit serves the rest of the areas in BC.
You will find more information on how to obtain passes, costs, and schedules for each city at their websites.
FIND SETTLEMENT AND EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES
Settlement and employment agencies provide free support to newcomers at every step of the newcomer journey.
They may be able to help you:
- look for a job
- find a place to live
- make new friends
- register for language classes
- assist you in accessing government/community services
- understand the local culture and customs
- understand your rights in Canada
Find free newcomer services near you when you arrive in Canada.
ENROLL YOUR KIDS IN SCHOOL WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN CANADA
It is compulsory for children aged 5 to 16 to attend school in BC.
Read more about the BC school system and how to enroll your kids in school when you arrive in Canada.
APPLY FOR CANADA CHILD BENEFIT/GST/HST CREDIT
If you are a permanent resident and you have kids living with you who are under 18 years old, you or your spouse can apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
It is a tax-free monthly payment that varies depending on the number of children you have and your income.
When you apply for CCB, you will be automatically enrolled for the BC Early Childhood Tax Benefit if you have kids less than 6 years old.
If you are single, you should apply for GST/HST credit. To receive the GST/HST credit each year, you need to file your taxes, even if you have no income to report.
Learn more about how to apply, the documents required, and the requirements.
APPLY FOR A BC DRIVER’S LICENSE
As a newcomer, you are allowed drive for up to 90 days when you arrive in Canada with your existing, valid license from your home country.
You will need to exchange your existing license before you can obtain a BC driver’s license.
To get a BC license, you are required to book and pass your knowledge (computer) and road test.
There can be long wait times to book and pass a road test so it is advisable you start this process as early as you can when you arrive in Canada.
You will need to bring two pieces of ID, a fee for your license, and proof of two years’ driving experience to attempt the advanced road test.
Visit a driver licensing office near you for more information on obtaining a BC driver’s license.
APPLY FOR JOBS WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN CANADA
When you arrive in Canada, you will have access to in-person employment programs and services. Your local settlement agency will provide more information.
In BC, you can access employment programs through WorkBC. They will help you with writing a Canadian-style resume, cover letter, employment workshops, and job fairs.
Shorten your job search by having a LinkedIn profile. Many recruiters in Canada use LinkedIn to search for and recruit employees.
Learn how to create a captivating LinkedIn profile that attracts recruiters.
FIND A PHYSICIAN
After your Medical Service Plan is approved, you need to find a family doctor.
To find a general practitioner (family doctor) near you, please visit Doctors of BC and find doctors accepting new patients and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.
To find a walk-in clinic, emergency room, laboratory services, etc. near you, visit Healthlink BC.
REGISTER FOR A LIBRARY CARD
A library card provides Internet access in the library and personal access to some licensed databases from outside the library.
You need to provide proof of name and address to receive a Library card. The most common examples of proof of address include a current BC driver’s license, BC Services Card, or BC ID.
You can get a BC OneCard when you get your library card (plus a current ID with proof of your current address in order to access all public libraries wherever you travel or stay in British Columbia.
FIND CHILD CARE
If you have kids less than 5 and you require childcare services, childcare resources and referrals will help you find a licensed and registered centre close to you.
Childcare costs will depend on your child’s age, the type of childcare you choose, and the city you live in. Low-income families are eligible for a childcare subsidy, known as the affordable child care benefit in BC.
Learn more about childcare options in your community.
BC Settlement Buddy provides personalized settlement services to help newcomers to BC settle in easily and quickly.
We help you find permanent accommodation, provide job search assistance, create a personalized 1-year settlement action plan to achieve your goals in Canada, take you on day tours to explore beautiful British Columbia, and create custom city information and resources to make it easier for you to settle in your preferred city.
If you need any type of settlement information or have specific questions, we are here to help you via our one-on-one settlement consultation call.
We look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful province of British Columbia.
Which one of these do you think will be challenging for you when you arrive in Canada? Drop a comment and stand a chance to win a free 1:1 consultation call.
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